Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
Medal of Honor winner's war-date letter, 4 1/4pp. 4to., 2nd Lt. Wilmon W. Blackmar, Co. H, 1st West Virginia Cavalry, "Head Qrs. 2d Brigade Cav. Div. Dupont," W. Va., April 30, 1864, to his father, in part: "…Col. Schoonmaker started out in the ranks and was promoted one step to another until he reached a commission, having many influential friends. He got permission to go home-Pittsburg-and raise a company…recruiting was so brisk that he did not stop at a company, but raised a Regiment and was commissioned its Col.-the 14 Penn. Cav. Regt. [Edward McM.] Stanton is a great friend of his. He is about my age and being the ranking Col. he commands the brigade, leaving one of his majors in command of his Regt. My position as Provost Marshal of the brigade is a very pleasant one…it seems more so…to be taken from Orderly Sergt. under a mean captain where I was subject to insult…my duties have been light…there have been several cases referred…two or three of a serious nature. There are many really wicked men in our brigade especially in the 1st Va. who do not hesitate at any degree of crime. I firmly believe they would murder without compunction of conscience…two or three houses have been robbed in the dead of night and occupants threatened with death if they made any disturbance or informed [to] me…there is an organized gang for the object of plundering and doing anything for gain…I am in hopes to catch them…and shall deal with them with a heavy hand…I instruct my guard…to shoot wickedly if they are obliged to shoot…I have to listen to so many tales of misery caused by these cursed fellows that I would feel glad to rid our command of them at any cost. They take money, clothing, etc., etc. and frighten women and children most to death. One woman had been confined the night before…they feared she would die from fright…I wish I could catch them in the act and shoot them in their backs…we are…in Gen. Averell's command. His Hd. Qrs. are very near ours and he and his staff seem to be on the best of terms with Col. S. and staff…I have heard it intimated that we should…make a dash at the R. R. which runs into Tenn….the enemy may come up to meet us…Wilmon, Prov. Mar. 2d Brigade Cav. Div…Charleston, W. Va." Near fine.
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